Posted by Civilian Seamus McKenzie (Future Citizen) in Time to Start Adulting

Posted by Civilian Capall McKenzie (Colonial Intelligence Agent) in Time to Start Adulting

Posted by Civilian Runa Siff McKenzie (Teacher) in Time to Start Adulting
Posted by… suppressed (30) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Revna left the embassy and made her way down the street towards Sloan Square. There she crossed the park to the merchant district, where the city’s hotels were located. Their house would be ready in about a week, after Seamus and Ragna’s. Revna had insisted. They had been living in the penthouse long enough. It was a wonderful place, but she thought some normalcy would help Ragna. She was different, but Revna wasn’t sure what had caused it. She didn’t press though, as Ragna was steadfast in refusing to discuss it. The story was Ragna’s own.

Revna entered the Seven Palms and scanned her bracelet to the private lifts and then stepped into their own penthouse. “Mike! Remember you love me!”

Revna, Lady McKenzie

“Won’t ever forget it!” he bellowed from somewhere in the back. “What did you do now that would make me wanna forget?”

Michael ‘Big Mike’ McKenzie

Revna laughed as she followed his voice. She stood in the doorway and sighed at the sight of him. “I just came from my meeting with Ambassador Mathis.” She held up a hand, “I’m NOT going back to diplomatic work. I am going to spend tomorrow at the embassy helping her. That news blurb last night about the murder of Dashiel Jones. He was her only staff here. They worked together 8 years. She has no one else. Not even basic staff. I’m going to help her do interviews. Oh and we’re going to meet her and her family at the farmer’s market at Sloan Square this Saturday.”

Revna, Lady McKenzie

Mike was in the middle of getting dressed; a process he slowed down considerably when Revna’s eyes fell on him. “That’s cool. I gotta meet with the Governor tomorrow anyway. And then me, Seamus, and Capall are gonna go look at somethin’ Seamus found on the land. So you do your bit for God and Country… and I’ll tend to our wayward clan.” He slowly pulled up his pants and then shook his hefty backside at her. “And then I’m gonna find us a Clan bar!”

Michael ‘Big Mike’ McKenzie

“I thought you were opening a bar. I was looking forward to it too, and Runa might start a revolt if you don’t.” Revna watched with obvious appreciation. “I can take time to go to that meeting, we really should both be there, and I doubt Mathis will begrudge me time to meet with him. I make my own schedule now, and you come first, Clan second, everything else I’ll decide as it comes.” She walked over and before he could get his shirt on and pressed up against him, wrapped her arms around him, and kissed him hungrily.

“I would love to stay in this room with you, for the rest of the day and all night, but the colony ship has been cleared to land. We have live stock and people to settle. And I really don’t want to miss the reunion of Seamus and Ragna with their four legged monsters.”

Revna, Lady McKenzie

“I am, but that takes a back seat to getting us settled. Until then, we will need a pub.” Mike said as he finished dressing. “And of course you can come. Means I will have to do less of the talking.” he said with a grin.

Mike

“That’s going to have to be a really big pub.” Revna chuckled, “You know I’m usually the one listening not doing the talking.” She kissed him along his neck and his jaw. “Two more nights in a real bed and then we get to camp until everything is built. We should make the most of it.”

Revna, Lady McKenzie

Bump

Mike smiled and said “‘Camping’ may not be the best descriptor.” and he laughed. “So because we don’t have access to water yet, living off the land isn’t viable right now. So… as we speak there are crews setting up prefab structures for each family. Once we get water flowing.. which we just gotta, or else we are SO screwed, we can start moving those that want to into more ‘traditional’ housing.”

Mike

“Well it will be a lot rougher than some people have ever experienced. It will take some adjustment.” She stopped kissing him to turn and grab a PaDD. “However, despite her dislike of leaving home, Ragna has been very busy on the clan’s behalf. Power, sewer, and Water have been run from the colony to our lands. We just have to open the reservoirs. We might have to haul water for a bit. And the wind and solar collectors have to be finalized. But all the plans have been approved and an inspector will be out in 3 days to answer any questions.”

Revna, Lady McKenzie

Mike’s eyebrows raised. “Well damn… you go, Ragna. Nicely done.” He paused and looked at Revna. “Have you noticed a… I dunno… ‘shift’, I guess… in Ragna? I mean, when we left she was, uhhhh…” and he smiled at Revna, knowing how protective she was of her baby sister. “… we’ll say ‘set in her ways and lacking in flexability’.” and he chuckled. “But now? Now she seems… I dunno… more engaged with everybody.”

Mike

Revna laughed, “You mean she was a hot headed spoiled brat that couldn’t empathize with anything or anyone? And a total,” and she said a very unladylike word in Norwegian. “You can say it. I love her but it’s still true.” Revna nodded. “There is, but there is something there, a weight unlike one she hasn’t carried before. She’s starting to find her way. I think she has always felt like she was lost in mine and Runa’s shadow. An after thought. She wasn’t, but I can see how she might feel like she was. She didn’t talk to me much through the move. She did everything through you. I think it helped.” She sat on the edge of the bed. “Centuries ago our ancestors explored the world. Men and women. It was almost a right of passage. You grew up, your knowledge and experience grew. Ragna never wanted to leave home, but being here is good for her, even if she didn’t like it at first. I’m proud of her. If she would stay in a room long enough to talk, I would tell her.”

Revna, Lady McKenzie

Mike grinned. “Well you know there are certainly perks to boinkin’ the Chief if the Clan, right? I can order her to stay in a room with ya.” and he laughed knowing full-well Revna was a Chief as well.

Mike

Revna gave him a look, “Oh there are LOTS of perks. But no, she’s finding her feet and her place. She’ll talk when she’s ready.” Revna hoped. It could be nothing, or maybe nervousness to donright by the bigger clan. Ragna was always a bit tricky to figure out. “She was always closer to Runa, now that she’s here Ragna may confide in her.” Revna stood up, “Alright, we better go before I get my hands on you and we never show up.”

Revna, Lady McKenzie

Mike moved to her and wrapped his arms around her and pulled to him. “Well, the slider has tinted windows and I can tell it to take the really bumby way to the landing site.” and he winked at her.

Mike

Revna went into his arms, melting against him, as if she couldn’t breathe without him. She couldn’t either. She tried it didn’t happen. “Mike you are both too good for me and a very bad influence. And you always seem to have exactly the right answer. You’re dangerous.” She kissed him and then told him he had better direct the slider exactly like that on their way out of the room and to the lobby.

Revna, Lady McKenzie

“You got it. Besides… you bounce in all the right ways, Mrs. McKenzie.” Mike said as they walked out of the lobby and the waiting slider. He let her enter first and then slid in after her. The slider started to move and Mike said “We’ve got thirty minutes and way too many clothes on.” and he grabbed her and kissed her.

Mike

“Well I do try to please Mr. McKenzie,” she teased as she slid into the back seat. Then she was in his arms and they forgot everything else but each other.

30 minutes later…

The slider slowed as it approached the landing site. Inside was a jumble of clothes and tangled limbs and laughter as they tried to make themselves presentable.

Revna, Lady McKenzie

It took a few moments but they eventually extricated themselves from the car (and each other) and looked towards the landing area. The massive colony ship stayed in orbit, but a myriad number of cargo and personnel shuttles landed and took off, only to return minutes later fully loaded and then repeated the process. A mobile transporter pad had been set up and crate after crate, container after container arrived and was moved away with a choreographed precision. And choreographed it was. The past months had been spent training and the clan was ready to execute the plan for real.

Mike looked at Revna and said “Ten bucks says Capall organized this.” and he chuckled.

Mike McKenzie

Revna laughed, “Oh I’m not taking a bet against that. He probably had to knock a few heads too.” Revna watched as people got off the shuttle’s. The older kids had erecting a massive circus sized tent and were taking all the kids inside. “And Runa organized that. Alright, let’s go help.” To the clans credit, they shouted hellos and tossed waves, but the work didn’t falter. They knew what to do and it would get done. He’ll or high water. “Revna! Mike!” Devlin and Kirsten waved, carrying a small squirming bundle of boyish baby joy. “Kirsten, he’s gorgeous.” Revna scooped the baby into her arms. “He looks like you Devlin.” He grinned, “I couldn’t be prouder.” He set a hand on the baby’s head and then looked Revna in the eye and took a breath. “We named him Shauwn.”

Revna inhaled and looked back at the little boy. “Hello, Shauwn.” She kissed his little forehead. “You will bring great happiness to your clan.” She looked at Kirsten, “I’m sorry we weren’t there for the naming.” Kirsten laughed, “Oh I am pretty sure Runa is glad you weren’t. First time she did it alone. She was a nervous wreck. But she did fine.”

“Where can we set up the animal pens. I know Seamus and Ragna worked on more permanent ones, but we need somewhere to hold them.” Devlin asked.

Revna, Lady McKenzie

Mike shook his head. “No need. Ragna arraigned for modular stables and pens. They’re over there-” and he pointed, “- and they just fold up and lock into place. It’ll save a crap ton of time.” He looked down at the infant and smiled. “Welcome, young McKenzie-Edman. You are gonna make your clan proud as s#!t, I think.’ and he grinned. He looked up and shook Devlin’s hand. “You know, I owe you a drink. Thanks for the mead.” and he yanked the man forward and gave him a truly brutal but brotherly bear-hug.

Mike, The McKenzie

Devlin chuckled and hugged Mike back. “You don’t owe me a thing. You found her, and she’s never been happier.” He looked at Revna with brotherly affection. “That’s all the thanks I could ever want. But, I won’t turn down a drink when we have a break.” The baby began to squirm in Tevna’s arms, his mouth moving and working I to a frown. “Oh, I think someone might be hungry and just realized it.” Revna gently placed him back in his mother’s arms. Devlin laughed softly, “Go on into the tent before he starts squallin’ and the police come all the way from the city.” Kirsten grinned and headed away. “I believe Antrom and Crescent will be first down. If we can get them.settled the rest will follow. Except Stormwhite.” Devlin walked away grumbling about it. He called for a handful of people to go with him to the stables and pens and get them ready.

Revna, Lady McKenzie

“Seamus can deal with his horse, and those two should be here anytime.” Mike said. “The rest of us will get the others and let them run for a bit. I’m sure they’ll need it.” He looked around and then looked at Revna. “Where are Runa and Capall?”

Mike, Clan Chief

“I can’t wait to see Seamus’ reaction to him. Runa said Capall is smitten with Nimbus.” She pointed up at the sky, “They are up there no doubt, making sure everyone and everything gets off smoothly because they know we are down here.” As they talked Revna made her way toward the large transporter pad where the animals would be beamed. Faster and easier than shuttle.

Revna, Lady McKenzie

Just as Revna expected, the transported powered up and soon two horses appeared on the pad. Mike grinned and walked up to Antrom and slowly held his hand out to his nose. “Hey, big guy… remember me?” Antrom was slightly agitated when he appeared due to the strange sensation and new surroundings, but the scent of the one in front of him was familiar. He snorted a few times… his eyes and ears moving around, but then he set his head lower so Mike could rub his forehead. Mike smiled and said “Hey there… good to see ya buddy. I hope the trip was ok.”

Mike, The McKenzie

Beside him Crescent was snorting and pawing the pad. Revna grabbed the lead and put her hand on the horses muzzle. “Shhhh…it’s alright girl.” Crescent knickered softly at the touch and stopped stomping. She huffed her dislike of the experience. “Come on, this way.” Revna set a hand on her neck and started walking. Crescent pranced and tossed her head and then stopped. She turned to look at Antrom, her ears flicking back and forth at him. Revna laughed. “Don’t worry, he’s coming too. Promise.” She kept walking and Crescent followed along toward the make shift barn and the very large holding pen/mini pasture behind it.

Revna, Lady McKenzie

Mike took the lead in his hand and said “C’mon, buddy. Let’s keep ya with your girl and get you somewhere you can run for a while. This is your new home… and we’re gonna make it a great place to live for all of us.” and he led Antrom to the pasture.

Once the two horses were inside the fence and trotting and running around, happy to be out of the confines of the ship, Mike joined Revna and said “Have you heard from Seamus or Ragna? They should have been here by now.”

Michael, The McKenzie

Revna watched the two horses gallop across the field and back, as more people brought more and more of the horses to the gate and set them lose. Revna headed back through the barn, “Hmmm… no I haven’t, which is weird.” She reached in her pocket for her comm, “I’ll call her.”

Revna, Lady McKenzie

“Why? We’ve been here helping unload and move supplies. What have youvtwo slackers been doing? Making out in the sluder on the way over? I swear if you two don’t have a baby soon, there is something wrong.” Ragna’s voice came from above them in the loft where she was stacking hay bales. She laughed and leaned over the edge. “You need us for something?” she asked sincerely.

Ragna McKenzie, Herald

Seamus peered over the top of the bales next to her and grinned. “Dunnae let her give ya any grief. There’s a reason she volun-told me ta help her stack the hay!” and he ducked away and went to the ladder and slid down before she could smack him. He walked over and exchanged a huge hug with Mike. “Aye… I’ve missed ya, Brother.” Mike squeezed the more muscular MKenzie Lord and said “We’re all home now, though.” Seamus said. “Almost.” Mike replied and then let Seamus go and tapped his wrist communicator. [O] Capall, this is yer Chief speakin’. Get you are your wife’s asses down here now. We’ve got hugs to share and stories to tell… not to mention a metric s#!t ton of work to do. Move it, Brother. [C] and he said “Family reunion, anyone?” and he laughed.

Michael, The McKenzie

Ragna glared at Seamus, “Don’t ya go given’ them ideas Seamus. It’s nae my fault hay sticks ta wool like a man dieing of thirst.” Ragna came down the ladder. Revna’s brows went up at the hay stuck to Ragna’s shawl, but then really looked at it. The tartan was different. She’d never seen it before, but it looked familiar. She studied it for a long moment. It was the McKenzie pattern with Edman colors. “Ragna, it’s gorgeous.” She pulled Ragna into a hug. She was surprised when Ragna squeezed her back tightly. “Seamus had it made.” That didn’t surprise Revna one bit.

“Come here Seamus,” Revna pulled Seamus into a hug. But then Mike’s comm chirped. [O]Oh we’ll be right down. But you tell Seamus and Ragna to get their arses to the transporter pad. We can’t leave because their children can’t behave.” There were loud ‘baaas’ and yipps and what sounded like crashing in the background. “I’m having mutton for a month otherwise, with a side of FOX![C] The comm closed with Runa cursing Angus and Aurora.

Revna couldn’t help but laugh. “Well let’s get going.” They made their way to the transporter pad. As they arrived the lights swirled…

It was chaos. Runa and Capall both had a lead in hand, both attached to the hackamore of a white and blonde Shire Stallion. He was rearing, pawing the air, kicking out with his back legs, snorting and setting up a racket. It was taking all the skill and raw strength if both Capall and Runa to keep him in place. Angus was trying to heard the angry stallion like one of his ladies, “BAAAAAAA!”. Aurora was sitting on Angus’ back yipping and winning at the stallion.

Runa

Capall looked over and yelled “DAMMIT SEAMUS MCKENZIE! COME HELP! THIS IS YOUR FU<÷!NG HORSE!!!”

Capall McKenzie

Seamus stood stock-still, staring at the massive animal. But when Capall yelled, he shook his head and said “Oh! Aye!” and he moved quickly to the pad.

As he approached, Stormwhite became even more aggressive, and it reached a point where it wasn’t safe for them or the horse to keep holding him. Capall let go and grabbed Runa and pulled her away as Stormwhite began bucking and kicking and jumping and twisting.

Runa wasn’t unfamiliar with problem horses or the dangers. Stormwhite was head strong and held onto his wildness, but this was extreme even for him. Capall pulled her away and she watches the animal warily. “ANGUS OUT OF THE WAY!” The ram seemed to think he could make the horse see reason. He stopped and looked at her and then hurried over. Runa grabbed one of his horns and held it. “Daft animal he could kill you.”

Seamus tried several times to grab the lead, but to no avail. Ragna could see the frustration building in him, but before she could say anything, Seamus just yelled “AAAARRRRRRRRRRGGGGGHHHHH!!!!!” at the top of his lungs and directly at Stormwhite.

Ragna watched with her breath held. Seamus knew horses, but even the best could get hurt, and their Shires were massive. Stormwhite was magnificent though.

The horse froze and locked eyes with Seamus. Both were panting and glaring at one another. Stormwhite scraped his hoof against the ground and gnashed his teeth. When he did, Seamus’ jaw clenched and he half-yelled “Oh yeah?!?! Ye want some’a me?! Well BRING IT ON, BIG BOY! I’ll knock yer thick nut back’ta Bømlo!” and he put up his fists like he was about to go ten rounds in the ring with the massive beast. Stormwhite snorted amd ground his teeth at Seamus… and then Seamus simply reached forward, grabbed the lead, and yanked his head down (not hard, but hard enough) so they were eye to eye. “I dunnae know if ya understand me, ya stubborn ball o’cotton, but know this. You act like that again and I’ll make steaks outta yer meat and feed ya to the Klingons. Got it?!” There was a tense span of about twenty heartbeats… and then Stormwhite headbutted Seamus hard… but calmed down significantly. Seamus rubbed his forehead and grinned. He turned around and said “Oooohhhhhh… I like this one.” and Mike and Capall started to laugh.

The McKenzie Boys

Ragna, Runa, and Revna burst out laughing as well. The sound of Seamus’s voice caused an enormous, “BAAAAAAA,” from Angus, who pranced in place, but as soon as Stormwhite was secure Angus tore away from Runa and ran toward Seamus and Ragna. He hopped and pranced and bounced, head butting them until Ragna was knocked over and he could lay his giant wooly mass over her so she couldn’t get away.

Ragna McKenzie, Herald